Kentucky's Joe Crawford looks at the clock just before halftime against Marquette during the first half of their first round basketball game at the NCAA South Regional today. Marquette won 74-66. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

(Newser)
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Jerel McNeal did most of the work and Wesley Matthews sealed the deal as Marquette defeated Kentucky 74-66 today in the first round the NCAA Tournament, reports the AP. McNeal had 20 points and Matthews hit eight free throws in the final 31 seconds to put the Wildcats away.

Joe Crawford led Kentucky (18-13) with 35 points. Sixth-seeded Marquette (25-9) earned its first tournament win since 2003, when it also beat Kentucky—that time, in a regional final to go to the Final Four. The Wildcats cut the lead to 66-63 with 38 seconds left, but Matthews hit two free throws and Ramel Bradley nailed a 3-pointer for the Golden Eagles.